Dental Implants Northampton
Dentists will do everything that they can to save your natural teeth. Unfortunately, sometimes this is not always possible. Although dental implants are not an exact replacement for a natural tooth, they are a close second. If you have one or more missing teeth, or are scheduled for a tooth extraction, you may have already begun exploring your treatment options. If so, you should definitely consider getting dental implants in Northampton.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a medical device that is inserted directly into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Each implant is made up of three parts: a metal screw constructed from titanium, an abutment and a crown.
Titanium is used, along with other metals, because of its superior strength and durability. It is also biocompatible with the human body.
The abutment component of the device serves as a connector between the titanium metal screw and an eventual dental crown that caps the entire structure, allowing you to bite and chew normally.
The Dental Implant Process
Getting a dental implant will require multiple dental appointments. At your first visit, your dentist will implant the titanium screw right into your jawbone. Just this one part of the process ensures that you do not undergo a condition called resorption, or jawbone loss. Without the presence of a “tooth” root, the underlying jawbone begins melting away, which can cause teeth to shift into this empty space.
If you have undergone resorption, you may have inadequate jawbone mass to support a dental implant. If so, you can still get one if you undergo a bone graft procedure, which is used to shore up the area so that it can provide firm support for a new implant.
If you have sufficient jawbone mass, you would first receive the first component of the dental implant: the metal screw. It will take a few months for your jawbone to organically fuse around the new implant. When this process is complete, you will return for another appointment to have the abutment part of the structure placed.
Finally, your dentist will place a dental crown onto the abutment. The crown serves to replace the visible part of a natural tooth, allowing you to bite down and chew with normal force.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Firmly anchored within the jawbone and cannot slip
- Long-lasting tooth replacement solution
- Prevents bone loss and changes to the facial structure
- Does not weaken adjacent teeth
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Caring for a new dental implant is no different than the oral hygiene you should be using for your natural teeth. Continue to brush your teeth and implant at least twice daily, while flossing your teeth at least once per day. Doing so will help ensure that you do not develop periodontal disease, which could otherwise threaten the loss of your teeth and new implant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth, often lasting 20 years or more with proper care. The implant itself, typically made of titanium, integrates with your jawbone and can last a lifetime. However, the crown (the visible tooth) may need replacement every 10–15 years due to normal wear.
Factors influencing longevity include your oral hygiene, diet, and habits like smoking or teeth grinding. Regular check-ups with us help ensure your implant stays in excellent condition. With consistent care and healthy habits, you can enjoy the benefits of your dental implant for decades.
If your dental implant feels loose, contact us immediately. A loose implant may indicate an issue such as bone loss, gum disease, or problems with the implant’s attachment to the crown or abutment. Avoid chewing on that side and maintain gentle oral hygiene around the area to prevent further complications.
We will assess the situation with a clinical examination and possibly X-rays. In some cases, the issue lies with the crown or abutment, which can often be repaired without affecting the implant. If the implant itself is loose, we’ll evaluate whether it can be stabilized or if replacement is necessary.
Timely action helps preserve your oral health and the success of your implant. Don’t delay—let us help address the problem effectively!
Yes, you can get dental implants if you smoke, but smoking increases the risk of complications. Smoking affects healing, reduces blood flow to your gums, and can interfere with the process of osseointegration—where the implant fuses with the jawbone. This can lead to a higher likelihood of implant failure.
We recommend quitting smoking, especially during the healing period after implant placement. If quitting entirely isn’t feasible, reducing smoking significantly can still improve your chances of success. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular check-ups with us are also critical for the long-term health of your implants.
Let’s discuss your options and create a plan to maximize the success of your treatment, even with the challenges smoking may present.
To protect your dental implants, especially during the healing phase, avoid hard, sticky, or excessively chewy foods. Items like hard candies, nuts, popcorn, and ice can stress or damage your implant or the crown. Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum may dislodge temporary crowns or abutments.
After healing, implants are strong, but you should still exercise caution with very hard foods to avoid damaging the crown. Maintain a balanced diet with softer foods initially, like soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and fish.
We also recommend avoiding highly acidic or sugary foods, as they can harm surrounding gum tissue. Regular check-ups with us ensure your implants stay healthy and strong. With proper care and mindful eating, you can enjoy a wide variety of foods!